Changes

Over the last few weeks, life has become more hectic. With teaching full-time again, life has turned upside down somewhat.
Dayhome - We ran into some difficulties with our former dayhome. Nighat was ill for a time and placed on bedrest by her doctor. We were uncertain as to how long she would be on bedrest or how long she would be less than 100%. We were concerned about Nighat and her well-being and so disappointed that she would be unable to look after Jaret and Kirra. We therefore needed to make other care arrangements for Jaret and Kirra. We were referred to a dayhome in the same community, only blocks from our home. After the interview, we decided to start the kids there. Unfortunately, it did not turn out well and was a tremendously trying time for all of us. The kids were there a few days prior to a full-time start to help them adjust to the transition and it seemed to go fine. However, once I was back to work full-time the full days proved to be too much for both of them. Jaret struggled the most and we saw temper tantrums like we had never seen before. We expected to see some changes as we knew that he would rather stay at home with Mom than go to any dayhome. However, he did understand that Mommy was teaching full-time again but voiced that he desperately wanted to be back at Nighat's. We understand that Jaret doesn't deal with change really well, but he can generally accept change with explanation and encouragement. This was not the case during his time at the new dayhome. It was heartbreaking to see him go through these temper tantrums and have such struggles with the new dayhome after almost two weeks. Kirra did okay but obviously she couldn't communicate with us as Jaret could. The main thing we noticed with her was that due to the noise and somewhat chaotic environment at the dayhome, Kirra was not napping which really compromised her well-being and the general routine for her. However, this was also right around the time (my first week back) that she began teething. I am not sure if it was the combination of all the change and the teething but it was the most difficult teething experience yet. I can't even tell you how many loads of laundry were done over those few days from bedding to clothing due to throwing up and diaper explosions. All I can say is that I was very thankful for my upstairs laundry. The dayhome situation required a decision - and so after Terry visited Nighat one evening (to see personally how her physical health was and to discuss the possibility of Jaret and Kirra returning to her care) - and the kids returned to Nighat's. Nighat and Fatima were thrilled as they love Jaret and Kirra and had missed them so much (they even called for Kirra's birthday). And Jaret was thrilled because he really missed 'Ghat and was happy to be back. Kirra, well, she still cries the minute I leave her but is fine within a minute or two. And she seems to be doing well and napping regularly during the day. We feel so blessed to have the care we do for both Jaret and Kirra while we are at work.
Decisions - Working full-time, as I said has turned life upside down. Terry one night asked why I returned to work for these two months. At times over the first couple of weeks I had asked myself that same question. However, the answer was clear when returning to work full-time helped me come to some decisions regarding the future. I have decided not to return to the vice-principal position at the school. Although this was a somewhat difficult decision to make because I love the administration side of things so much, I felt a great deal of peace about my choice. I would like to one day return to administration but realize that there is still lots of time for that. Another decision that I feel at peace about is regarding my teaching load. I have talked to my admin team and let them know that I would prefer to work half-time teaching Langauge Arts and Social, mornings only. They were very supportive of this and will let me know in the next couple of weeks how that staffing scenario might work. I am excited about the opportunity to spend more time at home with the kids and having more balance in my life.
New Home - We are settling into our new home and really enjoying it. There is lots to do and sometimes it is overwhelming knowing where to even start. Terry managed to paint our basement floor so things feel more in order downstairs now. We would still like to build some shelves in the storage room downstairs to help us get more organized. For an undeveloped basement, it is really quite nice. Jaret enjoys spending time down there playing - that is where all of his toys are now, especially the lego that we keep out of Kirra's little hands. We are slowly figuring out the home decorating but that will take time as we decide what artwork we would like for the walls. We are also needing to find furniture for the bonus room so we can make use of that space. The next big thing however will be landscaping. Our lot has been graded so we need to figure out the fence, patio under the deck of our walk-out, underground sprinklers, and sod. As for actual landscaping with trees, shrubs, flowers - that may need to wait until next summer.
Family Time - We are very much enjoying time together. Terry and Jaret were at Calaway Park the opening day which thrilled Jaret. He was counting down the days until it opened. They also floated the Bow one afternoon with friends (Mike, Brett, and Lexi). One afternoon a few weekends back (when the weather was sunny and warm) we went to Edworthy Park for a walk. Jaret also rode his two-wheeler. He has gotten so good on his bike. Last weekend the weather was cool but nice enough for a hike so we went out to Heart Creek with the Schulz family. It was a wonderful hike, until the end. An unleashed pit bull puppy jumped up on Jaret. Almost knocking him to the ground. His face was muddy from the dog's paws and his glasses were knocked off his face. Needless to say, Jaret was quite upset and crying. While I grabbed him in my arms to ensure he was okay and console him, Terry had a few words with the dog owners who were pretty stunned by the incident. Jaret talked quite a bit about it but seems to not be too traumitized by the event. We are thankful that the attack wasn't any worse, as we know it could have been. This weekend the weather was miserable (snow) so we stayed inside. We had Mark, Shea, McKinley, and Everett over for lasagna supper on Saturday night. Once all kids were sleeping (by 8:15ish - horray!) we sat down to play The Train Game. It was a great evening with friends! Today we took Jaret bowling for the first time and he did really well. We are definitely looking forward to some warmer weather though so we can be out more doing bike rides and hikes.
The Kids -
Jaret is almost finished pre-school. This week is the last week of classes and then he graduates the following week. He is enjoying pre-school. On Friday I joined his class at the zoo and we had a great time seeing a peacock with his feathers displayed, butterflies coming out of their cocoon, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and the dinosaur exhibit. I think the dinosaurs were Jaret's favourite. Jaret still love his lego and today we bought one of the house legos that he has been wanting for awhile so he is eager to build that. He is a bundle of energy and is growing more indpendent. He is a super big brother, always concerned about Kirra's well-being and redirecting her if she is doing something he thinks isn't safe.
Kirra has begun walking completely on her own the last couple of weeks. She doesn't like just sitting around to play. She has some fun toys but her interest lies in the remote. If you try to take it away she throws a bit of a tantrum. So, rather than having her record shows we don't want recorded and turn the channel while we are watching a show, we have found an old remote and taken the batteries out. This seems to have made her quite happy. She is full of smiles and loves when her brother acts silly to get a laugh out of her or when he tickles her and the two of them roll around the floor laughing.
I love being a Mom to these beautiful children. Hearing Jaret say out of the blue, "Excuse me, Mom - I love you," makes my heart melt. And seeing Kirra walk to me with her arms extended and then have her put her arms around my neck for a hug is the best feeling.
Well, I feel like I have babbled on enough. I unfortunately don't have pictures to post since we are in need of a new camera (ours took a swim in the Bow River and hasn't been the same since - oops). Hopefully we will replace it soon so I can take some pictures. Those of you who know me can understand the withdrawl I am experiencing not being able to take pictures of the kids.
Have a great week! Will post again soon.